Despite Investments, Bangladesh Trails in E-Government Rankings

Md Mojahidul Islam :

Bangladesh’s ambitious “Digital Bangladesh” initiative, launched over 15 years ago, has seen substantial investment – hundreds of billions of taka – yet the country’s digital economy lags behind its potential. While the government aimed to transform Bangladesh into a digitally driven nation, the return on investment has been disappointing, hindering economic growth and competitiveness.

The ICT division undertook 53 projects and 34 programmes costing Tk 250 billion between 2009 and 2024. The posts and telecommunications division invested Tk 400 billion. However, sector insiders report that many projects have yielded little tangible benefit, with domestic and foreign investments falling short of expectations. This raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of government spending in the ICT sector.

Bangladesh’s performance in key digital indices underscores these concerns. The country ranks 100th in the UN e-government development index (EGDI), behind India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Internet penetration remains low, with only 39% of Bangladeshis online, according to the ITU’s ICT development index (IDI). Furthermore, Bangladesh has the lowest smartphone user rate in South Asia, limiting access to digital services and opportunities.

The lack of progress in digital skills development is a major obstacle. Despite significant investment in training programs, these initiatives have often failed to provide individuals with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. This skills gap hinders the growth of the IT sector and limits Bangladesh’s ability to compete in the global market.

The failure to achieve the “Digital Bangladesh” vision has significant economic implications. The country has missed opportunities to attract foreign investment, create high-skilled jobs, and boost exports in the ICT sector.

To unlock its digital potential, Bangladesh needs a revised strategy that prioritizes skills development, promotes innovation, and fosters a more competitive business environment. This includes addressing allegations of corruption and mismanagement in government projects and ensuring that future investments are aligned with the needs of the private sector.

(Writer is an IT expert, a technology book author and a past president of the Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum (BIJF).He can be reached [email protected]).